Dolphins Can't Wait For Deion

Team's Moves Won't Be Dictated By Touring Star

August 24, 1994|By DAVID O'BRIEN Staff Writer

DAVIE - — Dolphins management said it's still premature to begin contract negotiations with Deion Sanders, who made the third and fourth stops on his well-documented tour Monday in Kansas City and Tuesday in Atlanta.

The free-agent cornerback visited last week with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dolphins. He's scheduled to meet with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles later this week, and may also see the Dallas Cowboys.

Rather than being reduced, the list of teams he's interested in continues to grow. This week he added the New York Giants, who seemed surprised to be on Prime Time's agenda. One team official said he believes Sanders is feigning interest to drive up his asking price.

Sanders reportedly rejected a prorated $2.88 million offer from Atlanta, but a source close to the Falcons said they remain in the running, and said money is still as important to Sanders as his stated primary goal of winning a Super Bowl.

The Saints have said if Sanders really wants to play for them, they'll somehow find the money. New Orleans is currently about $200,000 below the salary cap, while the Dolphins are in slightly better shape with about $300,000 left.

Some money could be freed up by restructuring a few player contracts, but signing Sanders would also probably require the Dolphins to release or trade one of their high-salaried players.

NFL rosters must be reduced from 60 to 53 by 4 p.m. Sunday, and coach Don Shula said Sanders would not affect the Dolphins' final round of cuts.

"Right now, we're just not sure what Deion's thoughts are - what other teams he intends to visit, what our chances are of signing him," Shula said. "We have to make every decision predicated on the people that are here now."

Offerdahl into the crucible

Just eight days after reporting to training camp, middle linebacker John Offerdahl will probably start for the Dolphins in Friday's exhibition finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Offerdahl is being forced into extensive duty sooner than expected because of a knee injury to Dwight Hollier, who is out two to four weeks.

If Offerdahl doesn't feel prepared to start, Chuck Bullough would get the nod. But Offerdahl is the more likely candidate, because the Dolphins need to get him ready to go full-time by the Sept. 4 opener against New England.

Shula said he hasn't decided whether Troy Vincent or Frankie Smith will start at left cornerback. Vincent played more than a quarter Saturday against Tampa Bay, his first game back since having knee surgery Dec. 23.

"It just depends on how he gets through this week and how he feels," Shula said of Vincent.

The Dolphins had hoped to have Jeff Cross back at left defensive end, but he's still bothered by a calf injury. Larry Webster will start in his place.

Nose tackle Chuck Klingbeil returns at nose tackle after missing the Tampa Bay game with a strained knee.